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Can I brake without de-clutching?


Each gear has a range of speed that you can drive in. Keep in mind that gear ranges overlap each other.

As long as you drive within this allowable speed range any modulations in speed are usually moderate enough not require a gear change, and therefore no need to depress the clutch.

If your speed drops below the allowable range of the gear you’ll need to depress the clutch pedal to either downshift, or to stop.    

Anytime that you depress the clutch unnecessarily you coast. Coasting reduces your ability to control situations because you lose your ability to control your speed with the throttle. You also contribute to the wear factor thereby shortening the useful life of the clutch.

Keep it simple and depress the clutch only when you have to. 

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About the author

Carlos Tomas

Carlos Tomas is President and Founder of Shifters, Canada's first manual transmission driving school. He has taught standard-shift with Young Drivers of Canada, worked with disabled drivers, and even instructed instructors. 

Known for his extreme patience, Carlos helps you how understand the clutch, gets you up-to-speed (all puns intended) quickly, and inspires, with  and an unmatched comfort level that puts you at ease from the start.

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